Ridgewater volleyball introduces freshmen

The Lady Warriors continue to cruise from season to season at a high altitude.

After winning their second national championship in five years, coach Joe Sussenguth had eight sophomores to replace. That includes two-time All-America Emily Roelike, now headed for Minnesota State, Moorhead.

He is pumping in nine freshmen to refill the half-empty tank with high-octane.

Here's a brief look at each:

Kelci Viesselman, 5-foot-8 outside hitter from for the Class AA state runner-up Hutchinson (25-3). 200 kills as a senior.

Paige Pistulka, 5-11 hitter from Wabasso, notched 173 kills and 41 blocks for the Rabbits. Her brother, John, pitches for the Ridgewater baseball team and her high school coach Barb (Soine) Johnson played volleyball at Ridgewater.

Kandace Taylor, 5-10 middle hitter for St. Clair High School (21-9), from Lake Crystal. Team MVP, Best Blocker and Most Dedicated.

Brittany Nissen, 5-9 hitter for BOLD, from Olivia, is left-handed outside hitter who finished with 331 kills and 55 service aces for her career. Will also play softball for coach Todd Thorstad.

Sussenguth also announced late add Cassie Ziemer of New London-Spicer, a sophomore academically with first-year eligibility.

Ridgewater finished 33-4 in 2010 and had their fifth straight top-three finish under Sussenguth at the NJCAA Division III tournament. The Lady Warriors also won the MCAC state tournament after a 12-0 finish in the Southern Division.

The team opens Aug. 26-27 with four matches at their own Ridgewater Classic.